We are well on the way now in Term 2.  It feels like we have been back for ages as we have hit the ground running….literally!  Our students have taken part in the recent Interschool District Cross Country with some pleasing results.

Cross Country

Congratulations to our students who represented Thornhill Park this week in the District Cross Country event.  Notably, Neriah finished first in her age group and Jane came 2nd in the same race.  These students will be going onto the next stage and we wish them the best of luck.  I’d like to thank the students and commend them on the way they represented our school and used our value of Persistence to put their best foot forward.

Mother’s Day Stall

Thank you to the large numbers of parents who assisted with our Mother’s Day Stall.  It was amazing to see such support from our parent helpers and the wider community as students were eagerly choosing gifts for their Mother’s and other significant females in their lives.  It has been an amazing turn out for our Mother’s Day open afternoon.  I would like to wish all the Mother’s in our community a wonderful Mother’s Day this weekend and I hope you are spoilt by your families.  You are truly valued members of families and sometimes we don’t acknowledge this anywhere near enough.  On behalf of all of us here at Thornhill Park PS, thank you for all that you do for your families.

Parking reminder

I have had several parents speak to me about the dangers of people parking on Baxterpark Dve and waiting for their children after school.  This is an unsafe choice for people to be making and it encourages people to drive on the wrong side of the road.  Once again I request that you follow all road signs for the safety of our community.  Council Officers will be making regular visits to the areas around our school and people will be fined if they continue not to comply.

Dojo Posts

A message was sent out on Dojo yesterday to let people know that due to Industrial Action most teachers will not be posting student work on the Class Dojo platform as per our normal process.  This is in line with an Education Union ban on comments in reports.  This will resume once an agreement has been met.  We thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Winter months and uniform

As it gets colder we would ask that students are wearing our school uniform and particularly our jumpers, jackets and hoodies.  Warm jackets of any description can be worn over the top of student uniforms when it is cold, as can gloves and beanies.  School beanies do not need to be worn, however they are pretty good and can be purchased from our office for $15.

Have a great weekend

Darryl Spiteri

Principal

CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

Payment amounts for eligible families this year have increased to $400 for primary and secondary school students. This is up from $154 and $256 respectively.

HOW TO APPLY: Contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form or download from www.education.vic.gov.au/csef.  If you applied for the CSEF at your child’s school in 2025 you do not need to complete an application form in 2025 unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.  Applications close on 22/06/26.

Student Appointments / Arrival / Departures

We would like to make families aware of our pickup procedures for collecting students early.

If your child has an appointment and is arriving late, or departing early, or has an appointment during the term, please let your child(s) classroom teacher know via Class Dojo.

When your child is leaving early, please wait at the school office.  Office staff will call your child’s classroom/exit your child, and then your child will be brought to the office, to minimise disruptions.

Please also be mindful that it is difficult for children to hear announcements whilst out in the playground enjoying themselves, should you need to collect them during break times it may take us quite a bit longer.  Break times are 10.50am – 11.20am & 1.30pm – 2.00pm

Our Learning in Years 5 & 6

Year 5/6 Term 2 Newsletter

Welcome to a positive start to Term 2 in our Grade 5 and 6 classes for 2026!

So far, students have explored Australia between 1800–1900 (Colonial Australia), developing an understanding of life during this period and the key events that shaped the nation. Ranging from themes such as Explorers, Indigenous Perspective, Beyond the Sea and the Gold Rush.

Students also had a great time celebrating Athletics Day on 28 April, enjoying a range of exciting events and friendly competition. The day was filled with energy as students participated in races and field events. It was fantastic to see everyone showing enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and school spirit throughout the day. 

Inquiry Immersion Activities 

Athletics Day

Congratulations to Prep D who achieved the best attendance for the week ending 24th April, 2026.

Congratulations to Prep G who achieved the best attendance for the week ending 1st May, 2026.

Congratulations to 3/4G who achieved the best attendance for the week ending 8th May, 2026.

PRIMARY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education. Students learn new things at school every day – missing school puts them behind.

If your child is sick or absent, you are required to notify school as soon as possible on the day of absence using one of the following methods:

1. Online: log the absence directly using Compass.
2. Telephone: the school office and let the staff know your child’s name, class, date of absences and reason.

Notifying the school of your child’s absence either prior to, or on the day that they will be away, helps ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and will fulfil your legal responsibility.

Why do I need to notify the school if my child is absent?

Schools need to know when and why a child is absent and you need to know if your child isn’t at school.

If your child is absent on a particular day and you have not contacted the school to explain why, the absence will be marked as unexplained.

This system also promotes daily school attendance. Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education, they learn new things every day – missing school puts them behind.

What is your responsibility?

You are legally required to ensure your child attends school every day or you must provide an explanation for their absence. You should let the school know in advance of any upcoming absences or let them know in the morning if your child won’t be at school. Avoid making routine medical and dental appointments during the school day or planning family holidays during the term.

Recognising great attendance and punctuality.

Our attendance target is 96%.  Each week, we reward the class with the highest attendance (which includes getting to school on time!), with our school mascot, Ripwell in their classroom for the week.

Meet Ripwell – Our School Mascot

At our school, we believe students learn best when they feel connected, supported, and inspired. To help bring our school values to life, we have Ripwell, our school mascot.

Ripwell serves as a positive role model, guiding students to make thoughtful choices and encouraging them to demonstrate our shared values in their learning and interactions. As a visible and engaging presence, Ripwell helps students understand what our values look like in action and reminds them of the importance of respect, integrity, persistence and care for others.

By weaving Ripwell into our daily school life, we provide students with a consistent and meaningful way to connect with our values, celebrate positive behaviour, and strengthen our inclusive school culture.

A Message from First Aid

Dear Families,

Now that the cold weather has now arrived, please make sure that your children are coming to school with warm clothing on.

• Dressing warmly helps children to feel better inside and out of the classroom and helps to prevent illnesses.
• If your child has asthma that is affected by the colder weather, please ensure that they have an up-to-date action plan and medication.
• Good hand hygiene (washing hands) and using tissues help to prevent the spread if illnesses.
• If your child is unwell, please keep them home until they are well enough to attend.
• Colds and flu are common this time of year, please consult your GP if you feel you or your family members require flu vaccinations.
• Children learn best when they are healthy

Thank you

Congratulations to the following students who received awards during our assemblies!

Keep up the great work!

Students of the Week – Ending 24th April 

Students of the Week – Ending 1st May 

Students of the Week – Ending 8th May 

Important Dates – Term 2

• Tuesday 19th May – Years 5 & 6 History Box Incursion
• Monday 8th June – Public Holiday (King’s Birthday)
• Wednesday 24th June – House Spirit Day
• Friday 26th June – Last day of term 2 (early finish at 2.30pm)

Congratulations to the following students who are celebrating a birthday in April & May!

We hope you had a lovely day!

Dion 2A

Zane PC

Alayna 2B

Gurnaaz 34H

Harley 34H

Isabell 56A

Evelyn 56C

Zeeshan 34H

Nimrat 34I

Briar 2C

Lily 34C

Xander 1A

Videeth 34I

Cooper 56B

Ekamveer 56G

Hazel PD

Anastasia 34C

Mohamed 34E

Rihaan 56D

Avreet 34E

Jawaad 56B

Samaira 56E

Aaleen PA

Pratham Raj 2D

Josephine 34B

Eshaal Sohaib 56G

Gursahib 2D

Achirin  34F

Dion 56B

Tarson 34E

Haliy 56F

Ruhani 56F

Agam 34H

Yahya 2D

Manraj 34E

Emily 34H

Rishikesh 2G

Akira 34E

Austin 1H

Iverson 34G

Abra 34F

Samreet 56E

Ilyan 2G

Kyson 34A

Leslie 1H

Pavik PC

Syed Ayaan 1G

Bor 56C

Godswonder  PB

Amias 1B

Haneet 1C

Hejalpreet  1D

Gursanjh Kaur               1E

Ishi        2E

Dhriya 56D

Rena    56B

Mahdi 1E

Ranvir 2C

David   56E

Atlas    PA

Amber PG

Anton 1B

David   1E

 Melvin   34A

Rostam 56A

Enayat 56H

Benjamin Xavier 2G

Praneel 34C

Amelia PB

Darian 1A

Mifra 1H

Fabiana 56G

Serenity 34I

Shivansh 56D

Senaaf 2C

Bekami 2D

Mary-Ann 56A

Zunaira 1B

Ivy 1G

Janvi 2B

Ruth 2D

Akuek 56B

Namanjit  PB

Anna 1C

Jeenawab 34B

Kingston Henry 56A

Jamiela 1F

Melaine   2F

Joshua 34C

*Please note that birthdays are only published up until the date of publication.  

Parents would have to fill the details online for their students to attend. The event occurs after school hours & it would be the parent responsibility to transport their children there.

KIDS KARATE EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 4PM HERE AT THORNHILL PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL!

-Increase your confidence & self esteem

-Learn control, respect & discipline

-Improve physical & mental health

-A safe space to build lifelong friendships 

-Learn Self Defence techniques and skills 

2 FREE SESSIONS PLUS A FREE UNIFORM ON JOINING! (SAVING YOU $115) 

To register for your free sessions, please call OR text 0407-320-333 

http://www.artofdefence.com.au

⚽ Football Star Academy – Thornhill Park PS

Football Star Academy is continuing to grow at Thornhill Park Primary School! ⚽

We’re looking to expand sessions and invite more students to get involved.

🎉 FREE trial sessions available
🎁 FREE Ballers Capsule for new enrolments
👥 Bring a friend and train together
⚽ Sessions run every Monday after school

Join us for a FREE weekend launch session (limited spots available).

🎬 We’re also running a Looney Tunes & Warner Bros Holiday Camp during the Term 2 holidays!

👉 Register your interest here: https://forms.gle/rVTYw9fZt8H4u4Tt7

School parents are invited to a new attend an online workshop we will be delivering 25^th May & 1^st June. The workshop will be delivered over two sessions.

This two-week program will explore:

Understanding the 5 core skills of executive functioning

Common ADHD flashpoints

Techniques to create an ADHD-friendly life

Parent wellbeing

Please find attached flyer and below is the registration link.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/UNDERADHD26

Parents interested in attending MUST register so they receive the workshop link.

*This is run by The Salvation Army not the school*